The Man of Uz, and Other Poems (ePub)

Lydia Huntley Sigourney (1791-1865), often referred to as the 'Sweet Singer of Hartford,' was a prominent American poet during the early and mid-19th century. Born in Norwich, Connecticut and later based in Hartford, Sigourney achieved considerable fame through her prolific writing, which included poetry, essays, travel writing, and educational texts. She was a forerunner among women in the professional literary field and an advocate for women's education and social reform (Baym, 1978). Sigourney's literary style is characterized by sentimentalism and moral instruction, features typical of the era's 'cult of true womanhood' (Welter, 1966), which she both embraced and helped to shape in American literature. Her opus 'The Man of Uz, and Other Poems' presents a collection of poems reflecting her Christian faith and interest in moral and religious themes, deeply rooted in the didactic tradition of the period. Sigourney's writings often address the experiences of women, nature, and the human condition, delivered through a polished and ornate style. Despite being somewhat eclipsed after her death as literary tastes shifted, Sigourney's work remains a significant representation of the sentimental literary tradition and a reflection of 19th-century American culture and ideals. Her contributions continue to be studied for their cultural and historical insights as an early female voice in American literature (Kerber, 1980).